About this course

Entry requirements

Usually a good 2.1 honours degree classification (or equivalent) in drama, performing arts or a related subject. Evidence of sustained engagement with drama in a variety of forms (theatre, movement, performance). Relevant motivation, maturity and ability to reflect on self in relation to others. Two references, DBS Enhanced Level check and Occupational Health clearance will be required.

Minimum of 1 year full time (or equivalent) clinical/field work experience preferably with children, adults or older people working in a caring capacity including in teaching, social work, mental health and community drama in a professional or voluntary capacity. Relevant motivation, maturity and ability to reflect on self in relation to others and emotional robustness.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Get professional training in dramatherapy, and qualify to work as a dramatherapist. On successful completion, you’ll be eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK. Our emphasis on clinical placements and range of dramatherapy approaches will prepare you for work in the arts therapies.

Through lectures, practical workshops, case discussions and theoretical studies, this course will introduce you to a range of approaches to dramatherapy. You’ll reflect on your own practice in group discussions, and be supported by an extensive programme of tutorials and supervisions.

Your studies will focus on intercultural practice, attachment/mother-infant observation and the understanding of how past relationships manifest in current client difficulties and how they can be worked with through the dramatherapeutic relationship. You’ll also work with music therapists in lectures and performance work, such as Playback Theatre. Our experiential teaching will focus on your own dramatic autobiographical process, dramatherapy theory, links between theory and practice, and bi-weekly experiential dramatherapy groups. In these, you’ll reflect upon your clinical experiences and the process of becoming a dramatherapist.

You’ll take part in clinical placements under the supervision of qualified dramatherapists, preparing you for employment in many different settings. These placements will take place in two to three fields, including community settings, schools, hospitals and hospices, providing you with experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.

Supported by our team of practising and research-active music therapists, you’ll have access to the latest and most effective dramatherapy approaches with both adults and children, as well as to the best advice for your future career.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 7.0 (Academic level with no individual score being lower than 6.5) or equivalent English Language qualification as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.